FAQ – Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are used for several different reasons. They typically come in a pill form and they may be prescribed to a person that is struggling with an anxiety disorder or even a sleep disorder. It’s important to note that a person that is struggling with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may also be prescribed a low dose of benzos during their initial stages of withdrawal to assist with their anxiety. However, when you commit to a medical detox program, your consumption will be closely monitored to ensure that you don’t fall into another type of addiction.
  

There are several different types of examples of benzos. Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Prosom, Doral and Librium are just a few examples of the common types of benzos that a doctor may prescribe.
 

If you have ever felt as though your mind is constantly racing as a result of anxiety or another mental health disorder, benzodiazepines can help your mind to take the pause that it may need to be able to deal with the regular facets of life. Benzos can calm the brain which makes it much easier to be able to deal with these feelings of anxiety.
 

Due in large part to the fact that benzos are so addictive, they are not meant to be taken long term. Although there are several benefits associated with taking benzos, there are several other risks to your mind and body which could impact your overall quality of life. This is the leading reason why it’s so important that you work closely with your doctor during the time that you’re on this substance.

Benzodiazepines are extremely addictive which is one of the reasons why you should only consume this type of prescription drug under the care of a doctor. It’s also imperative that you’re up front and honest with your doctor regarding how you’re feeling and what you’re experiencing during the time that you’re on it. If you believe that you have developed a dependency to this drug, then it’s critical that you reach out for help as soon as possible so that you can receive the recovery care that you need.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is different for every person. However, you can count on the fact that you will certainly feel sick during this stretch of time. You should never attempt to go through benzo withdrawal on your own. Instead, you should always put yourself in the position of receiving the help and the care that you need through a dedicated team of addiction experts at a detox facility. On average, you will need to spend approximately seven days in a detox program with the worst of your withdrawal symptoms manifesting within the first three days.

When addiction starts, a person may be trying to use a certain substance as a way to help them feel better or to not feel anything at all. Although there are certain benzos that can help with anxiety, these substances are only meant to be taken for a short period of time. With chronic use, it’s possible that your anxiety or depression may worsen overtime which could simply trigger more issues for you and your overall well-being.

A benzo can cause a person to feel a variety of different emotions. Excitement, increased energy, or a higher level of anxiety are all indicative of developing a GABA imbalance. When you consume benzos, these emotions are numbed and dulled. However, taking too much of this substance could relax GABA receptors too much which can cause a seizure.

Similar to any other type of addictive substance, there is always the possibility that benzos could cause death if you overdose on them. If benzos are taken outside of the structure or schedule that a doctor provides you, or worse, you begin to take them without being under the care of a doctor, there is always the possibility that you could overdose and pass away as a result of benzo use.